Resort Alternatives

[johnnyr]

For our trip next summer, we are forced to research resort options other than Disney. In past years, we have always stayed on Disney property for 10 to 14 days each trip. The Disney hotels are just getting too expensive for us to stay that long onsite anymore. We are not interested in the Downtown Disney hotels. What are some of the non-Disney hotels close to the parks that offer free transportation and reasonable pricing on their rooms? We are a deluxe / moderate family. Thanks.

 

[minnie mum]

Have a look at the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board. Lots of suggestions there.

 

[dawgfan]

The Marriott Resort Village is a good option. Close to Downtown Disney and the parks.

 

[Wild4Walt]

Radisson Celebration is close by and normally OK price wise. I also enjoyed Embassy Suites LBV ( the one closest to Hotel Blvd - I think it's behind the Crossroads - you can see it from I4 )

We looked to see if going off-site would save us for our trip in April 2015 and we have found the pricing is so close we'd prefer to stay onsite.

Just a heads up because I definately had 'sticker shock' when looking at other options.

 

[mockmom3]

You could look into Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Check with Vacation Strategy or vipwinpoints dot com. I was quoted a 7 night stay in a 2 bedroom 2 bath full kitchen and w/d for $850. It is located between Epcot and DTD so you are close by. Good luck finding some place.

 

[BlueFairy]

We had a great stay at the Dolphin. If you qualify for their discounts you can get a great deal. Check Dreams Unlimited travel for their promotions. Starwood points make for a great stay there too.

The rack rate is pretty high though.

Don't forget to look at parking (at your hotel and the parks) and "resort" fees for each day of your stay. For us, those things plus the cost of transfers or a rental car really eat into off-site savings.

Also, do you use EMH?

 

[Lynne M]

We've got a whole board full of alternatives. I'll move this to the Orlando Hotels board.

 

[2girlsmom]

We are personally fond of Caribe Royale. It is on World Drive so very close to the Disney parks (probably 10 minutes drive at most), they do offer free shuttles to Disney (we've never taken them as we drive, sorry). They are all suites, with 1 bedroom options with 1 king or 2 queens in the bedroom plus pullout couch in the living room as well as 2 bedroom "villas" which have a king bed in the master, 2 queens in the 2nd bedroom, 2 baths (whirlpool tub in the master as well as walk in shower), full kitchen, etc. We can usually get the 2 bedrooms for around $200 per night, and the 1 bedrooms around $100-$125 per night. They have 2 pools, 1 with slide, as well as restaurants, pool bar, etc.

 

[ParkHopperFan]

You might consider getting a rental home. Although you would have to get a car, you will appreciate the savings and amazing attractions outside the Disney bubble. We used to stay onsite as well. Once we discovered the benefits of staying in a rental home, we will never go back!

 

[Dave1234]

If you are interested in rental homes would recommend Windsor Hills or Emerald Island, both are secure gated resorts within 3 miles of Disney. You'll find a good selection of properties on WindsorHillsPrivateRentals .com and EmeraldIslandPrivateRentals .com

We've rented from owners in the past and find it a far more value for money option than a hotel.

 

[Brian Noble]

that offer free transportation

You can probably do quite well offsite. However, if you do stay off, you will almost certainly want a car. The provided transportation, if offered at all, is almost always shared between a few hotels, has a route that often hits more than one park (or doesn't cover all four at all), and will be offered at infrequent and largely inconvenient times.

That said, even after paying for a rental car and theme park parking, we can easily get a 2-3 bedroom condo/townhome and have the total cost be somewhere between a single Value and Moderate Disney room.

 

[NinaBella]

You didn't list your price range. Our family loves Gaylord Palms. Never used their transportation but their website says:
Shuttle Service to Theme Parks

Transportation is included in your resort fee. Gaylord Palms offers shuttle bus service to Walt Disney World® theme parks and the Downtown Disney® area. A daily schedule is available at the concierge desk.

Shuttles to SeaWorld Orlando®, Universal Studios® Florida, and Wet-n-Wild® are $19* per person round-trip. To make your reservation, please contact our concierge at least 6 hours prior to pick-up.

*Prices subject to change.


Many people here are fans of Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

Are you looking for a hotel room or a condo style with a kitchen.

Floridays
Westgate Lake Resorts

 

[dscott1996]

We're at dreams villas right now! We're loving it. http://www.dreamsvillas.com/

We've got 4 bedrooms and 3 baths plus full kitchen and small dining/living area. Nice pool and most traditional amenities. We'll come back if we're doing a longer stay!